The Regency

The Regency Club

The club in the 1960s

Location

240a Amhurst Road, Stoke Newington London E8 2BN

Built

c. 1880s

Notable events

Club run by the Barry brothers and frequented by the Krays

Status

Closed

The Regency was a small nightclub and restaurant in Stoke Newington, owned by the two Barry brothers since 1960, who paid protection money to the Krays, who were also frequent visitors along with the rest of The Firm. It was allegedly frequented by the likes of Lord Boothby and Princess Margaret.

The club was situated at 240a Amhurst Road and had opened in 1959. It was run by brothers John and Anthony Barry from 1960 until its closure in 1970.

The club was very popular with celebrities and a number of underworld criminals during the 1960s. It was considered neutral territory for many gangs around London. After renting the flats at Cedra Court, the twins visited the club frequently. Albert Donoghue, Dickie Morgan and Ronnie Hart were sent to inform the Barry brothers that the twins wanted to do protection for the club for £50 a week, adding it to the list of businesses they "looked after".

In the 1980's the club was called Willows an Afro-Caribbean hotspot catering for a variety of characters some of whom were heavily armed. Stabbings, shootings and gang fights were a regular occurrence. In the 1990's the parade of shops opposite the now called 'Trendz' nightclub were used to sell drugs to anyone wishing to buy them. It quickly became known as a Frontline.

The drug dealers were not hidden away in dark corners dozens of them would stand out in the street. It was very intimidating for residents on the street especially women but particularly for young men. Thus creating negative energy which was enhanced by the ley current and moved further along the line. This went on for years in this spot under the very noses of law enforcement. Countless shootings took place in this spot over the years right through to 2008.